The Wrist Extension Test measures how far the wrist can bend upward. It is useful for tracking wrist mobility, comparing sides and adding context to pushing, pressing, handstands, push-ups, catching, racquet sports and weight-bearing tasks.
A client may report wrist stiffness during push-ups, handstands, front rack positions, pressing or weight-bearing exercise. The Wrist Extension Test provides a repeatable way to measure upward wrist ROM and track progress.
The MAT article describes a seated test with the elbow tucked into the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and forearm pronated. The Measurz inclinometer is aligned with the third metacarpal, and the client extends the wrist upward. The MAT source lists at least 60 degrees as the practical aim and describes 60–70 degrees as generally normal for adults.
Test name: Wrist Extension Test
Purpose: Assess wrist extension range of motion
What it assesses: Ability to bend the wrist upward
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: Wrist extension angle in degrees
Best used with: Wrist flexion, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, forearm rotation, grip strength and weight-bearing wrist assessment
Key limitation: It does not directly measure weight-bearing wrist tolerance
The Wrist Extension Test measures how far the wrist can move upward from a pronated forearm position.
It is used to assess wrist mobility, compare sides, monitor progress and add context to tasks that require wrist extension.
It measures wrist extension ROM in degrees. It does not measure wrist strength, grip capacity, pain source, forearm rotation or weight-bearing tolerance.
Active wrist extension is measured when the client extends the wrist themselves. Passive ROM may be measured if the professional assists the movement. Record the method clearly.
Gym clients, weightlifters, gymnasts, yoga clients, racquet sport athletes, manual workers, desk workers and clients with wrist mobility goals.
Measurz inclinometer
Chair or treatment table
Optional forearm support
Measurz app
Notes for side, pain, symptoms, active/passive method and forearm support
Ask the client to sit with the elbow tucked into the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and forearm pronated. The forearm may be supported if needed. Align the Measurz inclinometer with the third metacarpal and ask the client to extend the wrist upward. Pause and save the result.
Record pain, stretch, stiffness, finger tension, forearm movement or compensation.
Record wrist extension in degrees. The MAT source lists at least 60 degrees as the practical aim and states that 60–70 degrees is generally considered normal for adults.
A lower score may influence weight-bearing or pressing tasks, but interpretation should include symptoms, wrist flexion, radial/ulnar deviation, grip strength and task-specific testing.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 60 degrees as the practical MAT aim and 60–70 degrees as broad context. Prioritise baseline and side comparison.
Smartphone and wearable-sensor wrist ROM measurement has shown good-to-excellent reproducibility in recent research, with improved results after familiarisation. This reinforces the value of consistent setup and repeatable instructions when tracking wrist extension over time.
Common errors include forearm lift, finger extension tension, inconsistent third metacarpal alignment, changing forearm support, wrist deviation during extension and comparing active with passive scores directly.
Use this test to monitor wrist extension ROM, compare sides and add context to push-ups, handstands, front rack positions, pressing, yoga, racquet sports and manual tasks.
Record side, wrist extension angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, forearm support, finger position, device alignment, comparison side and retest score.
Wrist Flexion Test
Wrist Radial Deviation Test
Wrist Ulnar Deviation Test
Elbow Pronation Test
Grip Strength Test
Push-Up Test
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Test
It measures how far the wrist bends upward.
The MAT source lists at least 60 degrees as the practical aim.
No. Weight-bearing tolerance should be assessed separately if relevant.
Yes. They provide different information and should not be compared as the same test.
The Wrist Extension Test measures upward wrist ROM.
Align the device with the third metacarpal.
Record active/passive method.
Use 60 degrees as a practical guide.
Track symptoms and task relevance in Measurz.
Engstrand, F., Tesselaar, E., Gestblom, R., & Farnebo, S. (2021). Validation of a smartphone application and wearable sensor for measurements of wrist motions. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 46(10), 1057–1063.
Ge, M., Chen, J., Zhu, Z., Shi, P., Yin, L., & Xia, L. (2020). Wrist ROM measurements using smartphone photography: Reliability and validity. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation, 39(4), 261–264.
